Frustrated York City are seeking an answer to an Anglo-Scottish puzzle over the impending ban of star midfielder Steve Agnew.

The City newcomer is to miss the first three games of the new season, which starts in less than four days, after his sending-off in the friendly with Airdrie three weeks ago.

But Diamonds' battler Jimmy Sandison, who was dismissed by York referee Craig Barker in the same ugly incident, has reportedly not been punished by the Scottish FA.

City are fuming that Agnew should be penalised while Sandison seemingly gets off scot-free.

Now the club are seeking clarification from the Scottish FA as to why Sandison has not also been banned for being sent off with Agnew for an offence of 'serious foul play'.

Similar, yet separate reports were sent by the referee to the English FA, who last week confirmed Agnew's three-game ban, and the Scottish FA.

Said City secretary Keith Usher: "As far as we are aware there's been no punishment for the Airdrie player. I don't expect our FA to retract the ban on Agnew, but we are looking for clarification."

City are also awaiting news of their cash offer for unsettled Airdrie winger Gordon Connelly, further talks having been held between the clubs yesterday.

Meanwhile, City are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper after trialist Matthew Boswell rejected an offer of a three-month contract to link up with League of Ireland club Sligo.

The 20-year-old Boswell, on trial at Bootham Crescent since the pre-season, opted to cross the Irish Sea hinting the three-month deal was not long enough.

He will undergo a month's training at Sligo, who, it is understood, are likely to offer him a two-year deal.

City boss Little said that it was 'a gut feeling' that prompted him to want another extended look at the Shrewsbury-born goalkeeper.

"He's done well enough in pre-season, but I wanted to have that little bit longer to look at him. If it doesn't work out for him in Ireland then I've said he can come back, but in the meantime I will be looking elsewhere for a 'keeper."

Boswell, the son of Allan Boswell, who made close on 500 League appearances in the mid to late 1960s for Walsall, Shrewsbury, Wolves, Bolton and Port Vale, said he had enjoyed his brief time at Bootham Crescent, but needed regular first-team football.

City fans are reminded it is advisable to buy tickets for next week's Worthington Cup tie at home to Sunderland in advance of the Tuesday, August 11 game, especially for main stand, family stand and enclosure.

Tickets are also available at £10 (£5 concessions) for the away leg at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 18 during normal office hours. The allocation is a shade over 1,100.

City's North Riding Senior Cup final duel at Whitby Town has been arranged for Wednesday, August 12 at the Turnbull Ground, kick-off 7.30pm.

A young City side drew 1-1 in a friendly against Guiseley at Nethermoor last night.

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